Earthquakes in New York City, New York
Last earthquake: 13 days ago · 3 in past 30 days · Largest: M1.8 · Population 8.3M
Last updated: June 15, 2026 at 09:59 AM UTC · Data: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
No significant earthquakes recorded near New York City recently. No M2.5+ events within 75 km in the past 30 days.
Quick Facts — Earthquakes in New York City
- Population
- 8.3M
- Seismic activity level
- low
- Nearest major fault
- Ramapo Fault System (35 km)
- Largest recorded nearby
- M5.0 (1884 New York earthquake)
- 30-year probability M6.7+
- 5% (NSHM)
- Earthquakes past 30 days
- 3
- 2026 total (M1.0+)
- 9
The New York City area averages about 0.15 magnitude 4.0+ earthquakes per year and has recorded 3 earthquakes (M1.0+) within 75 km in the past 30 days. The largest event in the past 30 days was a magnitude 1.8 event 5 km W of Gladstone, New Jersey.
New York City sits in the low category for U.S. seismic activity. The largest earthquake in or near New York City since records began was the magnitude 5.0 1884 New York earthquake, which struck approximately 30 km south (offshore) of the city.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey's National Seismic Hazard Model, there is approximately a 5% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of New York City in the next 30 years, and a 2% probability of a magnitude 7.0 or greater event. The largest credible earthquake predicted for the New York City area is a magnitude 6.5 event on the Ramapo Fault System, which lies 35 km from downtown New York City. Source: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; USGS NSHM 2023
2026 Activity vs Historical Average
Earthquake Map — New York City Area
Fault Lines Near New York City
| Fault Name | Type | Distance | Max Credible Mag | Last Major Rupture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramapo Fault System | normal | 35 km | M6.5 | paleoseismic data limited |
| 125th Street Fault (Manhattan) | normal | 1 km | M5.5 | unknown — possibly inactive |
| Dobbs Ferry Fault | normal | 25 km | M5.5 | unknown |
Recent Earthquakes (Last 30 Days)
Dataset at a glance — New York City
Over the past 30 days, New York City has recorded 3 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater in our tracker. By depth: 3 shallow (<70 km). 3 of the epicenters were offshore. 1 event produced at least one felt report, totalling 105 citizen submissions to the USGS Did You Feel It? system. Focal depths ranged from 5.0 km to 9.0 km. All 3 solutions have been reviewed by a USGS seismologist.
Leading the list is a magnitude 1.8 event near 5 km W of Gladstone, New Jersey at 5.0 km depth, which drew 105 felt reports from the public. The second-ranked event, at magnitude 1.5 near 2 km SW of Purchase, New York, trails by 0.3 magnitude units — a narrow gap, indicating two comparably energetic events in the current window. Rounding out the top three is a magnitude 1.2 earthquake near 3 km NE of Califon, New Jersey.
Each row in the table below includes a narrative summary of the event, ordered by time. Use the column headers to sort or filter by magnitude.
| Time ↓ | Mag ↕ | Location ↕ | Depth ↕ | Felt ↕ | MMI | Alert | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2026-06-01 2026-06-01 11:27:49 UTC | 1.5ml | 2 km SW of Purchase, New York 41.023°, -73.735° | 7.4 km | - | - | - | ✓ Reviewed | USGS → |
A magnitude 1.5 earthquake was recorded 2 km SW of Purchase, New York on June 1, 2026 at 11:27 UTC. At a depth of 7.4 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 41.023°N, -73.735°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M1.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data. | ||||||||
2026-05-31 2026-05-31 11:56:59 UTC | 1.2ml | 3 km NE of Califon, New Jersey 40.747°, -74.806° | 9.0 km | - | - | - | ✓ Reviewed | USGS → |
Seismographs logged a magnitude 1.2 earthquake 3 km NE of Califon, New Jersey with origin time 11:56 UTC on May 31, 2026. The event originated approximately 9.0 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 40.747°, -74.806°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M1.2 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data. | ||||||||
2026-05-19 2026-05-19 17:30:41 UTC | 1.8mb_lg | 5 km W of Gladstone, New Jersey 40.721°, -74.725° | 5.0 km | 105 | - | - | ✓ Reviewed | USGS → |
On May 19, 2026 at 17:30 UTC, a magnitude 1.8 earthquake struck 5 km W of Gladstone, New Jersey. Of every earthquake currently listed for New York City, this one generated the most felt reports from the public. The USGS received 105 felt reports from nearby residents — a notable response for an event of this magnitude. It is the largest earthquake currently listed for New York City over the past 30 days. The hypocenter lay at 5.0 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 40.721°, -74.725°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M1.8 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data. | ||||||||
Common Questions About Earthquakes in New York City
How often do earthquakes happen in New York City?
New York City experiences relatively low earthquake activity. The area averages 1.5 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater per year, with 0.02 reaching magnitude 5.0 or higher. In the past 30 days, 3 earthquakes (M1.0+) have been recorded within 75 km of the city.
What was the biggest earthquake to hit New York City?
The largest earthquake in or near New York City since records began was the magnitude 5.0 1884 New York earthquake in 1884, which struck approximately 30 km south (offshore) of the city.
What is the earthquake risk in New York City?
Earthquakes cannot be predicted with precision. However, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates there is approximately a 5% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake within 100 km of New York City in the next 30 years. The most likely source is the Ramapo Fault System, which has a maximum credible magnitude of 6.5.
What fault lines are near New York City?
The Ramapo Fault System runs approximately 35 km from New York City and is the most significant local seismic threat, with a maximum credible magnitude of 6.5. Other nearby faults include the 125th Street Fault (Manhattan) (1 km), the Dobbs Ferry Fault (25 km).
Was there an earthquake in New York City today?
No earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater have been recorded within 75 km of New York City in the past 30 days.
How do I prepare for an earthquake in New York City?
If you feel shaking, immediately Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until shaking stops. Stay away from windows and exterior walls. See our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
About This Page
This page is maintained by Earthquake Tracker, an independent seismic activity reporting service. Earthquake data is sourced from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program and updated every hour. Probability estimates use the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM 2023). Historical earthquake data is sourced from the USGS Historical Earthquake Catalog. Fault information comes from the USGS Quaternary Fault and Fold Database and SCEC Community Fault Model.
Last data refresh: 2026-06-15T09:59:01.470Z · Last reviewed: June 15, 2026